Field operations weekly report, 2008 August 31-September 6

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report August 31-September 6, 2008
This report is a broad sampling of events that have taken place in the past week, but does not include all actions taken by the Law Enforcement Section.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
BARTOW COUNTY On August 31st, RFC Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix were patrolling Lake Allatoona in the area of Illinois Creek. They saw a jet ski operating on the wrong side of the lake cutting in front of other boats. They activated their blue lights and siren to stop the Jet Ski but the Jet Ski refused to stop. The Jet Ski went back up Illinois Creek and finally had to stop due to the many boats tied up together. RFC Young gave the operator verbal commands to turn the Jet Ski off, but the operator still refused. RFC Young had to finally go along side the Jet Ski and physically remove the operator onto the DNR boat. The operator showed signs of alcohol but was not found to be over the legal limit. He was cited for failure to allow inspection and boating violations.
On September 6th, Cpl. Dave Phillips, RFC Bart Hendrix, Cpl. Chip Cox, RFC Byron Young, Sgt. Mike Barr, and RFC Brooks Varnell patrolled Bartow County for the opening day of dove season. They checked 42 fields and 328 hunters who had harvested 482 doves. No fields were baited and only a few minor hunting violations were noted. The rangers noticed a higher than normal amount of doves in the area and that the doves were heavily attracted to legally planted fields.
CARROLL COUNTY On September 6th, Cpl. Eric Brown, RFC Chad Cox, and Ranger James Psillis patrolled Carroll County for dove hunters. During the day, 2 fields were checked, one of which was baited with cracked corn. Four hunters were cited for hunting dove over bait, one with over the limit, and two for hunting without a license and no proof of HIP participation.
GILMER COUNTY On September 1st, Sgt. John VanLandingham located a pickup truck parked along side the road in an area where he had received complaints of persons fishing in a private pond without permission. Sgt. VanLandingham located two subjects fishing in the pond. While speaking with the two subjects Sgt. VanLandingham located a metal grinder containing marijuana, and a marijuana cigarette on one of the subjects, and a sandwich bag containing marijuana on the other. Both men were cited for fishing without permission and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
MURRAY COUNTY On August 31st, Sgt. John VanLandingham and Cpl. Casey Jones patrolled Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. On a traffic stop Cpl. Jones discovered marijuana in the console of a vehicle. The operator of the vehicle was cited for possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

PICKENS COUNTY On September 5th, Sgt. Brian Keener and Cpl. James Keener were in the Talking Rock area when Pickens S.O. gave out a call of a fight in progress at Dunn's convenience store. Both rangers responded and one subject was arrested for battery and VGCSA, possession of marijuana less than a once. The subject was turned over to Pickens County deputies upon their arrival.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
DAWSON COUNTY On September 5th, Cpl. Jason Roberson conducted an Online Hunter Education Class at the Rock Creek Park Sports complex. During this class he certified 21 students in Hunter Education.
DEKALB COUNTY On August 21st, Cpl. Eric Sanders completed a hunting out of season investigation. Cpl. Sanders was contacted by a Dekalb County Officer in reference to a subject that had hid his shotgun from the officer and that had nine hunting dogs with him. The Dekalb County Officer was able to locate the shotgun. Cpl. Sanders made contact with the subject and he was issued a citation for hunting rabbits out of season.
FORSYTH COUNTY On September 4th, Ranger Pamela Garrison conducted an Online Hunter Education Class at the Coal Mountain Community Building. During this class she certified 26 students in Hunter Education.
FORSYTH/FULTON COUNTIES On August 28th, Sgt. Lee Brown was patrolling McGinnis Ferry Road at the Chattahoochee River. Sgt. Brown checked the Forsyth County property and didn't find anyone fishing. He noticed a truck parked on the National Park Service property across McGinnis Ferry Road in Fulton County. Sgt. Brown tracked the subjects down river and encountered four subjects that had been fishing. Two of the subjects were caring bags with fish in them. One had 12 fish in his bag and the other had 17 fish. Citations were issued for no fishing license, no trout license, over the daily creel limit, possession and fishing with illegal bait and failure to allow inspection. RFC Mark Stephens and RFC Mitchell Crump assisted with this case.
HALL COUNTY On August 30th, RFC Mitchell Crump and Cpl. Adam Loudermilk were patrolling the Chattahoochee River on Lake Lanier. The rangers stopped a boat because a male subject was riding the gunwale. Both rangers detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. It was determined that the operator was under the influence. The operator was arrested and charged with boating under the influence and allowing another to ride the gunwale. He was transported to the Hall County Detention Center.

On August 30th, Ranger Pamela Garrison and Cpl. Jason Roberson were patrolling Lake Lanier and stopped a boat for improper registration. Upon talking to the operator, Ranger Garrison performed field sobriety exercises and arrested the operator for operating a vessel under the influence. While looking for her shoes, Cpl. Roberson looked in a beach bag, found her shoes and a bag containing a substance believed to be marijuana. The subject was also charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
On August 30th, Cpl. Jason Roberson and Ranger Pamela Garrison were patrolling Lake Lanier. The rangers observed a boat operating with improper lights and not obeying a regulatory marker. During the stop, Cpl. Roberson determined that the operator needed further evaluation to determine if he was safe to operate his vessel. It was determined that the subject was under the influence of alcohol. He was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence and failure to obey a regulatory marker.
On August 31st, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Sgt. Lee Brown were patrolling Lake Lanier during the Labor Day holiday period. The rangers had just completed an inspection of a PWC without registration and a female passenger not wearing a life jacket. The female was looking for the boat that she traveled to Cocktail Cove in. She pointed out a boat that was violating the 100' law by going above idle speed around several houseboats and pleasure boats anchored out. After stopping the vessel and checking the safety equipment the operator was asked to get into the patrol vessel for further evaluation to determine if he could continue to operate his boat. After the failing the field sobriety exercises he was placed under arrest for boating under the influence of alcohol.
On August 31st, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Sgt. Lee Brown were continuing their patrol of Lake Lanier. The rangers had completed an inspection of a vessel operating at night without lights when they observed a Forsyth County Sheriff's boat conducting a stop on a vessel. The rangers went to check on the deputies when the operator of the Sheriff's boat told them that he almost hit his boat because it wasn't displaying and navigation lights at all. The deputy also told them that the operator had been drinking alcohol. Cpl. Sanders conducted a safety inspection of the vessel. Cpl. Sanders could smell alcohol on the subject and asked him to get into our patrol vessel for further evaluation. After the subject completed the field sobriety exercises he was placed under arrest for boating under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel at night without lights and BUI child endangerment for 3 subjects onboard under the age of 14.
On August 31st, RFC Eric Isom and Ranger Pamela Garrison were patrolling Lake Lanier. The rangers stopped a vessel to check and make sure that it wasn't overloaded. During the safety inspection the vessel was found to be short two life jackets. There were 15 people onboard. Ranger Garrison detected alcohol coming from the operator so she asked him to get into her patrol vessel for further evaluation. After completing the field sobriety exercises the subject was placed under arrest for boating under the influence of alcohol and operating a vessel with insufficient life jackets.

On September 6th, Corporal Adam Loudermilk and Sergeant Mike Burgamy were on patrol in Hall County, checking dove hunters. Throughout the day, they checked 6 fields, 95 hunters, and 65 dove killed. During the day they found 2 unplugged shotguns, 2 HIP violations, and 2 licenses violations.
JACKSON COUNTY On Sept. 2nd 4th, RFC Eric Isom completed two presentations on WRD/Law Enforcement job responsibilities, two presentations on hunter development and firearm safety at Jefferson High School and East Jackson High School. RFC Isom also completed a two day, 10 hours Hunter Safety Course at Maysville Baptist Church certifying 35 students. Ranger Isom also posted one baited dove field prior to dove season.
WHITE COUNTY On August 29th RFC Anne Alexander assisted White County S.O. with an attempted suicide situation involving one white male and a handgun. The man was later taken to the hospital without incident for evaluation. Many White County Deputies responded along with Wildlife Technicians Frank Manning and Brandon Walls.
RFC Anne Alexander and Wildlife Technician David Shattuck checked fishermen on the Chattahoochee River off Poplar Stump Road. One man was cited for possession of over the limit of trout. 12 trout were confiscated.
On September 6th, Sgt. Lee Brown, RFC Anne Alexander, RFC Mitchell Crump and Wildlife Technician III Frank Manning were conducting patrols for dove hunting activity. The rangers checked a total of five fields on this day with one of these being a "Baited Field." Citations and warnings were written on this day for hunting over bait, unlawful enticement of game, hunting without a license, hunting with an unplugged shotgun and failure to participate in the HIP program.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
JEFFERSON, JOHNSON, AND WASHINGTON COUNTY On September 6th, Cpl. Michael Crawly, and RFC Matherly, and K-9 Tar patrolled Jefferson, Johnson, and Washington Counties for dove hunters. During the day, they checked 150+ plus hunters on 11 fields in four counties and issued several citations to hunters. The charges included: hunting with an unplugged gun, taking over the daily limit, hunting over bait, hunting with out a license, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and interference with the duties of a conservation ranger. On one field in the edge of Glascock County, K-9 Tar tracked two subjects for about of a mile through a wood area. Tar located both of the subjects and their weapons that they had hidden while trying to elude Cpl. Crawley. The two subjects where transported to the Glascock County Sheriff's Office where they posted bond and were released.

WALTON COUNTY On September 4th, Ranger Nikki Spencer and Corporal Greg Colson provided an informational program and set up the Laser Shot hunting simulator for the Harmony Baptist Church Sportsman's banquet in Monroe GA.
On September 6th, Lt. Judd Smith and Ranger Nikki Spencer patrolled Walton and Oconee Counties for dove violations. Several fields were checked and three citations were issued for unplugged shotguns.
On September 7th, Ranger Nikki Spencer and Sergeant Brian Carter shut down a baited dove field in Walton County and issued several citations for hunting over bait, hunting without a license, and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
CLARKE COUNTY On September 6th, Corporal Greg Colson and Sergeant Brian Carter shut down a baited dove field in Clarke County and issued several citations for hunting over bait.
WILKES COUNTY On September 7th, RFC Bob Holley and Captain Thomas Barnard shut down a baited dove field in Wilkes County and issued several citations for hunting over bait.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On September 7th, Corporal Greg Colson and Sergeant Mark Padgett were patrolling Oglethorpe County when Sergeant Padgett noticed a subject carrying a fawn deer in his yard. The subject had been in possession of the deer for several weeks. The deer was seized.
HANCOCK COUNTY On September 4th, RFC Larry Mills and RFC Richard Tanner flagged a baited dove field with "No Hunting Baited Area" signs. While patrolling the area on Saturday, September 6th, Cpl. David Allen and RFC Mills heard shooting coming from the flagged field. Upon arrival on the field RFC Mills noticed that the "No Hunting" signs had been ripped down. Violations on the field included hunting over bait, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and hunting under the influence
WARREN / GLASCOCK COUNTIES O, September 6th, RFC Brian Adams arrested a subject for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and interference with the duties of a Ranger. RFC Adams also issued citations to other individual for unplugged shotguns and possession of over the limit of doves.
MCDUFFIE / TALIAFERRO COUNTIES On September 6th , RFC Leroy Ficklin issued citations to a subject for hunting doves over bait and hunting without a license.

LINCOLN COUNTY On September 6th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Bobby Timmerman responded to a dove field in reference to a possible aggravated assault. Upon arrival and talking with the hunters it was determined that an unknown subject fired a high-powered rifle into the dove field from an adjoining property. After searching several hours for the unknown subject the incident was turned over to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for further investigation.
REGION III DOVE FACTS FOR OPENING DAY 10% of the fields checked were baited. 50% of the cases written were for hunting over bait, possession over the limit, hunting under the influence, convicted felon with a firearm. Average of 2.4 doves killed for each hunter checked. Less than 4% of the hunters checked were responsible for 50% of the serious violations detected.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
MONROE COUNTY On September 7th, RFC Keith Page, Sgt. Tim Kendrick and Cpl. Tony Wynne finished checking dove hunters in Monroe County. After Finishing, RFC Page and Sgt. Kendrick decided to go to Dames Ferry boat ramp at Lake Juliette to check any fishermen coming off the lake at dark. While checking the fishing license of one boat operator, RFC Page smelled a strong odor of alcohol on his breathe. RFC Page decided to perform field sobriety exercises on the man. Because of his poor performance on the field sobriety exercises, the man was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. A chemical analysis of his breath later showed the man's was under the influence of alcohol. The man was also charged with littering because he threw his empty beer cans into the lake.
MERIWETHER COUNTY On September 6th, RFC Mitch Oliver and RFC Jeremy Bolen, along with K-9 "Grizz", were listening for dove hunting activity around the Talbot / Meriwether County lines. The officers heard a shoot in Meriwether County and proceeded to find the location. The officers eventually located the field and parked to check the hunter's license and bag limits. RFC Oliver noticed that when he got out of his vehicle on the dirt road, he was standing in wheat and cracked corn. The field itself had also been covered with wheat and cracked corn on top of plowed ground. All five hunters on the field were charged with hunting over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The officers confiscated 15 dove from the field as well.

HARRIS COUNTY On September 7th, while listening for dove hunter activity, RFC Mitch Oliver was contacted by Sgt. Randy Hackley in regarding a shoot he could hear in Harris County. Sgt. Hackley was already in the process of trying to determine where the hunt was taking place and RFC Oliver made his way towards the shoot to assist. Sgt. Hackley advised RFC Oliver that the shoot was coming from a power line that the officers were familiar with and they proceeded to find where the hunters had accessed the area. Sgt. Hackley located the field and advised RFC Oliver of his location. RFC Oliver arrived and the officers checked the field and hunters. RFC Oliver found a small area of the plowed ground that contained wheat and brought this to Sgt. Hackley's attention as well as the landowner. After some discussion, it was determined that the 3 hunters on the field would be written warnings for hunting over bait and that the field would be cited. One hunter was also written a warning for not participating in the migratory bird information program.
COWETA COUNTY On September 1st 6th, Sgt. Russ Ramsey, Cpl. Wanda Roberts, Cpl. Keith Waddell, RFC Travis Sweat, RFC Kevin Godbee and Ranger Adam Jacobs located and flagged 8 baited dove fields prior too the open weekend of dove season in Spalding, Meriwether, Henry and Coweta Counties. Also while on routine patrol for dove hunting activity in Coweta County on Sept. 6, 2008, a field on Chandler Rd was checked with a number of hunters. One of the hunters was subsequently charged for hunting under the influence and transported to Coweta County SO.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
BROOKS COUNTY On September 6th, RFC Jon Penuel located a baited dove shoot and after a thorough investigation charged the individual responsible for preparing the field with unlawful enticement.
TIFT COUNTY On September 6th, while conducting a patrol for dove hunting activity, Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey and Sgt. Ellis Wynn located two baited dove shoots. In addition to charges for hunting over bait and unlawful enticement, individuals were also cited for unplugged guns and license violations.
SEMINOLE COUNTY On September 5th and 6th, Cpl. Terri Jones, Cpl. Mike Binion, RFC Tony Cox and Sgt. Rick Sellars conducted boat patrols on Lake Seminole to check individuals participating in Georgia's alligator season. A total of 9 citations were issued during these patrols, with violations ranging from hunting out of season, hunting without license, operating a vessel without lights and without PFD's.

CALHOUN COUNTY On September 6th, RFC Ben Roberts and Sgt. Danny Bishop located a baited dove shoot and cited two individuals for hunting over bait.
DOOLY COUNTY On September 6th, Rangers investigated a hunting incident in which a 21-year-old hunter was hit with bird shot while hunting doves. The hunter received medical treatment at a local hospital and was released.
CRISP COUNTY On September 6th, Rangers investigated a hunting incident where a dove hunter was struck by a stray pellet that penetrated his face and required medical treatment.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
CHARLTON COUNTY On September 1st Corporal Gary Simmons and Sgt. Patrick Dupree continued boating patrols of the middle St.Mary's River at the request of Charlton County administrators and GEMA. A state of emergency has been declared in Charlton County due to the flooding rains of Tropical Storm Fay. The rain-swollen river had flooded numerous riverfront residences and both Charlton County and Nassau County, Florida public boat landings remain closed until the water recedes. All boaters encountered were urged to get off the river for safety reasons and to help prevent further residential damage from wakes.
PIERCE COUNTY On September 6th Cpl. Gary Simmons patrolled Pierce County for dove hunting activity. Cpl. Simmons checked three fields being hunted. One field was baited with cracked corn and four citations were issued for hunting over bait. One warning was issued for an unplugged shotgun.
WARE COUNTY On September 6th RFC Brad Cox and Sgt. Patrick Dupree patrolled most of Ware and Clinch counties for dove hunting activity. Only three shots were heard all afternoon until they came upon a dove shoot in northern Ware County. The shoot was winding down and the hunters had started gathering their gear as the rangers approached the field. Further investigation revealed that the field was baited with cracked corn. During the process of checking licenses, shotguns, and doves two hunters fled the field. After visits to residences in Bacon and Pierce counties both hunters were located. Twenty-two total violations were documented and 38 doves were confiscated.
ATKINSON COUNTY On September 7th RFC Tim Hutto and Sgt. David Nugent patrolled for early morning dove shoots. The officers checked several hunters and issued one citation and three warnings for hunting with an unplugged shotgun and hunting without a license.

COFFEE COUNTY On September 7th Sgt. David Nugent and RFC Tim Hutto were on patrol for dove activity in Atkinson County, and heard a dove shoot in Coffee County. After locating the field, two citations were issued for hunting without a license and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
LOWNDES COUNTY On September 7th RFC Tim Hutto and RGR Keith McDonald patrolled Lowndes County for dove activity. The officers checked a field that had been baited with cracked corn last season and had therefore been posted. The officers again discovered cracked corn scattered in the planted brown-top millet on the field this year. The field was posted for the second consecutive year.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On the evening of September 6th eight DNR-LE officers carried out a concentrated patrol of the Savannah River along Effingham and Screven Counties for alligator hunting activity. The officers checked several boats for boating safety and alligator hunting regulation compliance. One boat was checked with an eight-foot alligator on board. No violations were detected.
On September 6th RGR Brandon Pierce and Sgt William Vickers patrolled for dove hunting activity. Two different dove shoots were checked and 3 warnings were issued for hunting without license on person and improperly plugged shotguns.
TELFAIR COUNTY On September 6th RFC James McLaughlin and Cpl Johnny Ashe conducted a "live" radio interview for Lumber City Hardware. The radio show was broadcast on 102.7 in McRae and they discussed the hunting laws and regulations as well as other topics of interest such as the new license system and taking a child hunting to teach them about our great outdoors.
DODGE COUNTY On September 7th Cpl. Johnny Ashe heard shots coming from a power line area behind a residence on Gum Swamp. Once arriving on the field Cpl. Ashe noticed that several areas had been harrowed under and began checking not only the licenses of the hunters but also the areas of the field that were not turned under. After a brief walk of the area a section of the field was found where cleaned wheat had been broadcast over the ground. The shoot was shutdown and one of the hunters admitted to putting out the extra wheat in order to attract more dove. One citation was issued for unlawful enticement and the other hunters were issued warnings for hunting over bait.
LAURENS COUNTY On September 6th Cpl Larry Dean, RFC Rodney Horne, and RFC Danielle Partin were patrolling for dove hunting activity in Laurens County. While patrolling along the Laurens and Treutlen County line they located a field baited with wheat and corn. Fifteen violations were cited for unlawful enticement of game and hunting over bait.

JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On September 6th from 8:00a.m -11:00a.m. RFC Britt presented a hunter development program using the laser shot simulator at a hunting/outdoor field day in Snipesville known as "God in the Hunt".
On September 7th RFC Britt and Cpl. Johnny Ashe responded to a complaint of a possible illegal dove hunt in Jeff Davis County. 2 individuals were charged with hunting doves over bait (sunflower seeds) and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
WHEELER COUNTY On September 6th RFC Barry Britt and Cpl Johnny Ashe checked a dove shoot off Hope Road that was baited with scattered wheat. 8 individuals were charged with hunting doves over bait and 3 were also charged with taking over the limit, over 112 doves were confiscated.
EMANUEL COUNTY On September 6th Corporal Jon Barnard and RFC Jamey O'Brien patrolled dove fields in the areas of Stillmore, Twin City and Nunez. Three fields with 27 hunters were inspected with verbal guidance given to two hunters.
TOOMBS COUNTY On September 2nd Cpl Jon Barnard instructed a CD ROM Hunter Education Review Class at Southeastern Tech College and certified four students.
TATTNALL COUNTY On September 4th in Tattnall County, after a weeklong investigation, RFC Clint Jarriel and Wildlife Tech IV Jim Gillis issued citations to 4 suspects for violation of deer kill permit and possession of illegally taken wildlife. RFC Jarriel confiscated a 9-point buck from a taxidermy shop in Toombs County and the owner was issued a warning for failure to notify Department of illegal wildlife.
BULLOCH COUNTY On the afternoon of September 6th Cpl. Eddie Akins patrolled the north end of Bulloch County for dove hunting activity. Little hunting activity was detected. The efforts of the day resulted in only one dove shoot being checked. No violations were detected on the field.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
CHATHAM COUNTY On September 6th, Corporal Bill Bryson and Ranger Justin Heyward issued an individual a citation for littering after finding 2 bags of discarded trash along side Buckhalter Road.

GLYNN COUNTY On September 2nd, RFC Mark Carson was notified of a boating accident that happened on August 31 by Satilla Regional Hospital. The subject was at the hospital for treatment of minor busing to the leg and a cut to the head area. The accident is currently under investigation.
On September 7th, Ranger Fuller and Sgt. Harwell checked several individuals fishing on St. Simon's Island. Among the violations encountered were fishing without a license, possession of undersize sea trout, summer trout and whiting. Several under-sized fish were confiscated as evidence. Several individuals were cited for not having a fishing license and possession of under-sized fish.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On September 6th, Rgr. Fuller, Cpl. Finn, Sgt. Harwell, and Wildlife Tech Hubbard checked several dove hunters on opening day on the Altamaha WMA. The only violation found was one unplugged shotgun. Several Alligator hunters were also checked throughout the weekend in various locations.
WAYNE COUNTY On September 3rd, RFC Randy Aspinwall assisted with GEMA command post located at the Jesup DOT District Office. They were making preparations for a possible hurricane.
On September 6th, Cpl. Billy Reed, Cpl. Bobby White, and Sgt. D.V. Grantham were on patrol for the opening day of Dove season. Cpl. White heard a dove shoot and upon checking the area dove bait was found. There were 6 contacts made for hunting doves over bait.
On Sept. 6th, Cpl. Billy Reed, Cpl. Bobby White, and Sgt. D.V. Grantham responded to a drowning. The location was off highway 301 North's in a private pond. After searching for 2 hours, the body was recovered.